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NEW CUMBERLAND - The Hancock County Board of Education, as part of its meeting Monday, approved a slate of personnel transfers and non-renewals, but not without hearing concerns about at least one of the recommendations.
Among the changes was the transfer of several administrative posts within the school system, as well as a decision to have a single chorus teacher providing instruction for both of the county's middle schools.
The chorus position was the one raising discussion, as the board was approached by Pete Fernbaugh, a county resident and substitute in the school system, whose wife, Bethany Fernbaugh, will now be serving as chorus teacher for the two schools.
"It's not an ideal situation," he said. "Everyone has agreed on that."
Indicating the plan would have Bethany Fernbaugh teaching for half a year at each school, Pete Fernbaugh asked about a mention of a three-year plan during hearings held by the board last week.
Superintendent Dan Enich explained the three years would provide the board with time to better evaluate the needs of the school district, keeping it in line with the student population as well as the tax base.
"No RIFS or transfers have been done in the last four years," Enich pointed out.
Assistant Superintendent Dave Smith noted, in the case of the chorus teacher position, it already has been recommended the board budget for two full-time teachers as soon as possible in order to provide both chorus and general music courses at the middle schools.
Following a 34-minute executive session, the following transfers were approved: Karissa Poszywak from assistant principal at John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center to assistant principal of the Alternative Learning Center and Adult Education program, by a 5-0 vote; Christopher Pugh, from physical education teacher at A.T. Allison Elementary to the same post for both Allison Elementary and New Manchester Elementary, 5-0; Fernbaugh from chorus teacher at Oak Glen Middle to the same position at both middle schools, 4-1; Sarah Parsons from director of personnel at the Central Office to director of supplemental services/transportation at the Transportation Department, 3-2; Chris Enochs from director of supplemental services/transportation to assistant principal at Weir Middle, 5-0; and Amber Tonacchio from assistant principal at Weir Middle to math teacher at Weir Middle, 5-0.
Non-renewals of certified positions approved were Sydney Dawson, multi-categorical/autism at Allison Elementary; Ashley Hissam, multi-categorical/autism at New Manchester; Mary Kimberland, multi-categorical/autism at Weirton Elementary; Amy Chaney and Melissa Reed, both multi-categorical/autism at Oak Glen Middle; Teresa Bendel, first grade teacher at Allison Elementary; Brooke Provenzano, third grade teacher at Allison Elementary; Savannah Weaver, second grade teacher at New Manchester; Anna Grimm, third grade teacher at Weirton Elementary; Taylor Allison, math teacher at Weir Middle; Erin Carey, school nurse at Weir Middle; and Jeremiah Torres, band director at Weir High.
All moves will be effective for the 2024-25 school year.